Kingcustard
Member
That time of year again when I am shocked at the amount of concentrates the ewes have gone through.
Plenty of big early lambs that will no doubt cover the costs, but get tired of hauling the snacker round 7 fields every morning to feed ewes.
I currently have mules but as mentioned in other threads they are going down the road this summer and will replace with something less hungry and troublesome.
I am wondering what people would do with the resources I have at hand.
Land is permenant pasture and there is always a bit of grass for the ewes through the winter.
Make haylage which smells great and the ewes love it but its off old leys so definitely not rocket fuel.
Also grow 25 acres of fodder beet for the cattle which is stored under cover so it doesn't rot with the frost and there is always plenty spare.
I have been feeding mules a step up to 1kg at lambing, and for as long after until there is proper grass.
Easycares are not an issue as they live of grass, haylage and tubs nearer lambing time and so far haven't had any disasters.
But I still like hedging my bets with conventional ewes to get lambs away earlier and support the markets locally.
Also like lambing inside in March as we get harsh weather up here and I can lamb 2 or 300 on my own and keep a handle on everything.
Looking at Aberfield Cross ewes and have a chance at some NZ suffolks out of Aberfield.
With all of the above considered what would you guys suggest would be the best way to proceed.
Does fodder beet and tubs run the risk of more prolapses and guts out in the ewes pre lambing. Have an issue with this but its usually when they are on beet and I start feeding rolls.
Happy to feed rolls in the shed but would love to be able to get a system where they go out of the shed and can milk lambs on fodder beet and tubs.
Previously used molassess and so have all the feeders and tanks if that is an option.
Just looking to save on concentrate at £300+ a tonne and not have ewes standing at every gate waiting to be fed from January until May, not to mention the wear and tear on the Can Am towing the snacker 7 miles a day and burning petrol
Plenty of big early lambs that will no doubt cover the costs, but get tired of hauling the snacker round 7 fields every morning to feed ewes.
I currently have mules but as mentioned in other threads they are going down the road this summer and will replace with something less hungry and troublesome.
I am wondering what people would do with the resources I have at hand.
Land is permenant pasture and there is always a bit of grass for the ewes through the winter.
Make haylage which smells great and the ewes love it but its off old leys so definitely not rocket fuel.
Also grow 25 acres of fodder beet for the cattle which is stored under cover so it doesn't rot with the frost and there is always plenty spare.
I have been feeding mules a step up to 1kg at lambing, and for as long after until there is proper grass.
Easycares are not an issue as they live of grass, haylage and tubs nearer lambing time and so far haven't had any disasters.
But I still like hedging my bets with conventional ewes to get lambs away earlier and support the markets locally.
Also like lambing inside in March as we get harsh weather up here and I can lamb 2 or 300 on my own and keep a handle on everything.
Looking at Aberfield Cross ewes and have a chance at some NZ suffolks out of Aberfield.
With all of the above considered what would you guys suggest would be the best way to proceed.
Does fodder beet and tubs run the risk of more prolapses and guts out in the ewes pre lambing. Have an issue with this but its usually when they are on beet and I start feeding rolls.
Happy to feed rolls in the shed but would love to be able to get a system where they go out of the shed and can milk lambs on fodder beet and tubs.
Previously used molassess and so have all the feeders and tanks if that is an option.
Just looking to save on concentrate at £300+ a tonne and not have ewes standing at every gate waiting to be fed from January until May, not to mention the wear and tear on the Can Am towing the snacker 7 miles a day and burning petrol